Four committees are the backbone of the Main Street Program through which the work gets done. Interested volunteers can choose to serve on the planning sessions of committees and/or on task-oriented Action Teams for specific projects. The committees are interdependent and volunteer opportunities and training sessions are available to everyone.

The Design Committee�s purpose is to create an attractive, coordinated and quality image of the downtown by capitalizing on its unique assets and heritage. It is involved in all aspects of design that affect downtown�s image, such as parking, signs, landscaping, renovations, maintenance, and logo. Potential members include architects, landscapers, interior designers, graphic artists, sign painters, contractors, historians, artists, business owners and citizens interested in good design.

The Promotion Committee�s primary responsibility is to market a unified, quality image of the business district as the center of activities, goods and services to retailers, shoppers, investors and tourists. Activities include coordinated advertising, implementation of special events and projects, and media relations with the goal of creating a positive image. Often involved are downtown merchants, local art groups, school board members, library, civic associations, special interest clubs, public relations and marketing people.

The Economic Restructuring Committee�s goal is to develop a market strategy that will result in an improved retail mix, a stronger tax base, increased investor confidence and a stable role for the downtown as a major component of the town�s economy. Attracted to this purpose will be commission members, officers of financial institutions, realtors, merchants, property owners, attorneys and people with recruiting skills.

The Organization Committee plays a number of important roles within Portland PRIDE:

• Maintains the database of PRIDE volunteers and donors
• Conducts PRIDE Volunteer Orientation Sessions
• Recognizes the many contributions made by PRIDE volunteers and donors
• Promotes PRIDE and the revitalization of Main Street to the community via slide show presentations
• Coordinates PRIDE's participation in community events such as the Portland Fair
• Recognizes local businesses that are supportive of PRIDE

Auction Committee

• Meets from May-October to plan Annual Goods and Services Auction which showcases area businesses and provides a wonderful evening at Saint Clement's Castle where the Portland Community gathers to bid on the great items and services so generously donated each year. Held the first Tuesday of October.
• Proceeds from Auction are used for on-going revitalization efforts and special projects like the Winter Banners.

Arts On The Green Committee

• Plans PRIDE Annual Arts Show each September to showcase and sell work of regional artists. Also a part of the day are Blues and Jazz Music, Good Food and Good Company.
• Shakespeare On The Green - Expect to make this an annual summer event on the Town Green with the New England Shakespeare Festival Company. Each summer an engaging comedy is presented
• Art of the Forest Project - During November 2004, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the first State Forest in Connecticut, the Meshomasic, in Portland, a traveling exhibit of art items made from one tree in that forest will be on display at the Buck-Foreman Community Center. A variety of activities are in the planning stages to go along with this exhibit.

Junior Main Street Committee A partnership of the Portland Public Schools, Youth Services and PRIDE. Coordinate a number of activities focusing on strengthening youth and in engaging youth in positive ways in revitalization efforts Activities include:

• Wright Brothers and Sisters Society - which make and fly model airplanes.
• Junior Main Street Times - interviews and reports on businesses and activities along Main Street.
• Halloween On Main Street - Annual Trick or Treat and Haunted House on Main Street and adjoining areas provides a safe and fun event and introduces families to Main Street businesses.
• Tassel Program/Hands Helping Hands - students are matched with local businesses to gain experience in local businesses and help businesses with small and needed assists.
• Community Life Skills Summer Program - Youth participate in annual plantings/gardening in partnership with Main Street businesses to spruce up/clean up Main Street and to occasionally complete a special project like the new mural called "Come to the Fair", a fanciful depiction of the Portland Fair, which will border along the newly planned tot playscape at the edge of the Town Green.